I enjoy hearing what people partaking in Lent decide to give up and why. However, though I've considered it many times, I've never taken part in it myself.
My reason?
Pride.
This is in no way a pronouncement on others who do observe Lent, but I've just known for myself that if I succeeded in the 40 days of abstinence from *fill in the blank* that I would feel...
...quite proud of myself.
Um, who does that sound like?
Hmmmm...could it be...
...Satan?
Where's the spiritual value in feeling like Lucifer right before he was cast out of God's presence?
Happily, today I had a Lenten epiphany that has given me a new and valuable perspective. It was spawned by the words of a pastor. He said something to the effect of: "It is good to exercise the 'say-no-to-self' muscle because sometimes it is very important to say no to yourself."
Hmmm...yeah. Lives are regularly ruined when people don't choose to say no to themselves.
Several times a week, I jog, but not because I enjoy it. In fact, I can honestly say (in a very whiny voice) that I don't enjoy it. Sure, there is a small sense of pride when I'm finished with the three miles of bad attitude, but that's not my motivation. Rather, I know it's important to exercise all the muscles involved in the somewhat distasteful process so that they continue to function well. I want to be healthy physically. So, too, do I want to be healthy spiritually.
Remember this guy?
He was the captain of the spaceship in the movie, WALL-E. He was piloting an entire city-sized-craft of people who thought they never had to say no to themselves.
Maybe it's a bit silly of me to reference a fictional work to prove a realistic point, but I thought the movie-makers did an excellent job of showing us in an amusing manner where people who have no sense of self-denial can end up: planet-less, weighing 500 pounds and having lost the ability to walk across a room.
I do believe that I could now observe the season of prohibition for a right reason (and not feel like the Father of Lies afterward).
Will I? And if so, in what manner will I deny myself?
I'll get back to you on that...
;)
2 comments:
Hey Mee!!
Love this post. I have found the same struggles. All of a sudden, Lent becomes about going on a diet or 'success'. Here is a link that really helped my thinking this year.
http://landonwhitsitt.com/2012/02/19/giving-up-chocolate-and-beer-for-lent-is-not-what-jesus-had-in-mind/
I like your new layout too. :)
Mick
I too find this post interesting. I have a few friends who make a huge ordeal about giving up chocolate, caffeine etc. for lent and I find myself asking why? And believe me it's not because I never tell myself no.In fact for over 5 years I have said no to dairy, to wheat, to gluten to taking meds when I really wanted too. Not to be a martyr but because it was right for me. But doing it to see if I can last 40 days? I don't know, changes my mind set. I 'm gonna go check out the link Mick posted. Maybe that will enlighten me more on the whole thing. :) Oh and FYI, I love when you post, your usually way to profound for me but I figure it stretches me that way. Ha!
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